At Level 2, the balance beam starts to feel more like a performance than just a test of balance. It’s no longer about simply staying on, it’s about moving with control, confidence, and a hint of style. This routine builds on what gymnasts learned in Level 1 and adds more rhythm, sharper positions, and early pieces of future skills.
Coach Victoria from Flight Athletic Academy breaks the routine into clear steps. Below is a simple, natural guide that walks you through each part like you’re learning it right in the gym.
Mount and First Positions
The mount is the same as Level 1: the gymnast jumps to front support at the end of the beam. The dominant (happy) leg swings over into a straddle sit. Legs stay straight and pointed. Arms lift into a crown, then circle back and grab the beam.
The gymnast leans back slightly with straight legs before bending into a seated tuck. The toes should press against the beam, not the heels, with pointed feet. From there, the happy leg lifts, knees together and straight, leading to a step into a standing crown pose. The dominant leg should be in front, non-dominant behind, on toe.
Pike Stretch and Relevé Pose
Next is a forward pike stretch with both legs straight and the front heel flat on the beam. Hands press into the beam, and the gymnast shows control through the position.
From there, the gymnast rises to standing and places hands on the hips (make an “L” and place it on the leotard line). They step forward into a passé, lifting the non-dominant leg to knee height with the toe pointed next to the knee. The passé transitions into a high relevé, pressing evenly from the heel to the toe for balance.
Plié–Relevé Series and Stretch Jump
After the relevé, the gymnast steps the leg back and begins a sequence of plié–relevé–plié movements:
- Plié on flat feet, arms down at the sides
- Relevé with arms forward
- Plié again
- Stretch jump with arms sweeping back, then up
- Land in crown
- Return to plié
- Finish in a sharp pose with hands stacked in front and eyes forward
The pose should feel calm but focused, with extended fingers and neutral chin.
Tap Arabesque and Prep for Leaps
From the pose, the gymnast sharply lifts the back leg into an arabesque, arms slicing out into a strong T. The leg shouldn’t just dangle, hips must stay square, and the back leg should be active and straight. Briefly hold and tap the foot down.
Next is a leg swing sequence to prepare for leaps in higher levels. The gymnast:
- Steps with the non-dominant foot
- Swings the dominant leg forward
- Steps and swings the non-dominant leg again
- Steps into a lock stand (dominant leg in front) with arms in crown
This prepares them for clean transitions and posture control during leaps.
Pivot Turn and Pose Sequence
The gymnast shifts weight to the back leg and pivots on relevé. To help with balance, weight should be slightly over the back leg, and thighs squeezed together in lock stand. After turning, the gymnast steps back with the dominant leg into a pose.
They do this twice: step back, lift the front foot slightly, and hold. Both times, the body stays aligned—shoulders, hips, and heel in one line. Avoid leaning forward or arching the back.
The arms follow a pattern here too:
- First, the arms bend gently at the elbows, then softly push forward
- Next, the hands interlock and stretch forward in a strong hold position, elbows wide
Final Prep and Dismount
The gymnast finishes the routine with a sharp step and point forward. Arms rise to a high position as the front foot turns slightly outward (to help keep hips square).
They bend the back leg and lean into a mountain climber setup. From there, they push into a side handstand dismount. After landing, they finish with a salute.
Final Thoughts
The Level 2 beam routine is all about posture, preparation, and flow. Every movement builds habits that will carry into more advanced routines. Encourage gymnasts to move with purpose and stay tight in every shape. Practicing slowly with good form will make the entire routine feel smoother and more confident.
